FF-9-2021

PROCLAMATION RE: STRIPED BASS – RECREATIONAL – ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA – SEASON OPEN This proclamation opens the harvest of striped bass taken for recreational purposes in the Albemarle Sound Management Area. The recreational harvest season shall close by proclamation when the harvest allocation is reached or at 11:59 P.M. on Friday, April 30, 2021. Stephen W. Murphey, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Friday, January 1, 2021, the harvest of striped bass taken for RECREATIONAL PURPOSES IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA WILL OPEN and the following provisions shall apply:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION Albemarle Sound Management Area as defined in N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03R .0201(a).

II. SIZE AND CREEL LIMITS

A. It is unlawful to possess striped bass less than 18 inches in total length. B. It is unlawful to possess more than one (1) striped bass per person per day by hook-and-

line or for recreational purposes from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

III. SEASON, MEANS, AND METHODS A. It is unlawful to possess striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area for recreational

purposes except when taken by hook-and-line or with recreational commercial gear. B. It is unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line or with

recreational commercial gear for recreational purposes. C. The recreational season for striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area shall

close by proclamation when the harvest allocation is reached or at 11:59 P.M. on Friday, April 30, 2021.

IV. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rules 15A NCAC 03H .0103, and 03M .0202.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Fisheries Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03H .0103.

C. In accordance with N.C. General Statute 113-221.1(c) All persons who may be affected by proclamations issued by the Fisheries Director are under a duty to keep themselves informed of current proclamations.

D. Recreational Commercial Gear License gill net restrictions are found in M-proclamations issued for this area.

Proclamation FF-9-2021 Pg. 2

E. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the recreational harvest of striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area within the 12,804 pound annual total annual landings established by the November 2020 Revision to Amendment 1 to the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.

F. N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03M .0201 defines striped bass as striped bass and its hybrids.

G. Recreational seasons for striped bass in the Roanoke River Management Area, which is designated as the Roanoke River and its joint and inland tributaries, including the Eastmost, Middle and Cashie rivers, up to the Roanoke Rapids dam, is under the management jurisdiction of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and is exempt from this proclamation.

H. Holders of Recreational Commercial Gear Licenses or hook-and-line fishermen shall follow the size, creel, and season limits of the recreational fishery for striped bass.

I. Commercial fishing equipment authorized by the Recreational Commercial Gear License is not considered commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or purchase striped bass taken by this method in accordance with N.C.G.S. 113-173.

J. N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03M .0202 states that all striped bass that do not meet the minimum size limit specified by proclamation shall immediately be returned to the waters from which taken regardless of condition.

K. Contact the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632 for more information or visit the division website at http://ncmarinefisheries.net.

L. This proclamation opens the harvest of striped bass taken for recreational purposes in the Albemarle Sound Management Area. The recreational harvest season shall close by proclamation when the harvest allocation is reached or at 11:59 P.M. on Friday, April 30, 2021.

By: ______________________________

Stephen W. Murphey, Director DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES

December 17, 2020 11:19 A.M.